🦅 Elysian Gallery and the 2‑Day Alton Eagle Ice Fest
Schedule
Fri, 02 Jan, 2026 at 10:00 am to Sat, 03 Jan, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
301 E Broadway, Alton, IL, United States, Illinois 62002 | Alton, IL
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🦅 Elysian Gallery at the 2‑Day Alton Eagle Ice FestFriday, Jan 2 10am-6pm
Saturday, Jan 3 10am-6pm
Mineral Springs Hotel
301 E Broadway
Alton, IL
❄️ About the Eagle Ice Fest (Community Info)
Alton’s annual Eagle Ice Festival marks the official kickoff of Eagle Season in southwest Illinois. This year’s celebration spans two days, hosted by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau:
- Friday, Jan 2 — 5pm to 10pm at FLOCK Food Truck Park
- Saturday, Jan 3 — 10am to 2pm at FLOCK Food Truck Park, plus additional activities at:
- Audubon Center at Riverlands
- National Great Rivers Museum
Festival highlights include:
- Live eagle appearances from the World Bird Sanctuary
- Eagle‑watching tours
- Winter games and family activities
- Eagle‑themed crafts
- Opportunities to view bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and other wintering birds along the Mississippi River
This is one of Alton’s biggest winter weekends — a perfect time to welcome visitors into the gallery.
🖼️ Elysian Gallery’s Eagle Ice Fest Weekend
Friday, Jan 2 — 10am to 6pm
Saturday, Jan 3 — 10am to 6pm
📍 Inside the historic Mineral Springs Hotel
As a participating location in the Eagle Ice Fest, Elysian Gallery will feature a special two‑day showcase of bald eagle photography by:
🦅 Lonnie Gatlin — Award‑Winning Photographer
Best known for her astro‑landscapes and nature work, Lonnie brings a masterful eye to eagle photography — crisp, commanding, and rich with the raw emotion of the Mississippi River corridor.
Want to learn more about Lonnie’s work and her award‑winning background? We’ll be sharing her full list of recognitions and accomplishments in the Discussion section of this event.
🦅 Jeff Bohnert — Curator & Photographer (Bohnert Photography)
Jeff’s work blends atmospheric storytelling with a painterly approach to wildlife and river landscapes. His Sovereign of the Skies series captures the quiet majesty of the bald eagle through mood, light, and emotional presence — offering a contemplative counterpoint to Lonnie’s crisp, technical style.
Together, their work creates a rich, balanced experience for festival‑goers exploring Alton during Eagle Ice Fest.
Only 3.5 miles from Riverlands and just 1/2 mile up Broadway from FLOCK, Elysian Gallery is an easy stop as you explore Eagle Ice Fest — and all the Alton Art District has to offer.
☕ Warm Up at the Gallery
Since the weekend is expected to be cold (with a chance of snow), we’ll be offering:
- Hot chocolate
- Sweet treats
- Non‑alcoholic drinks
- A cozy, welcoming space to enjoy art and conversation
Perfect for families, photographers, bird lovers, and anyone taking a break from the outdoor festivities.
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Where is it happening?
301 E Broadway, Alton, IL, United States, Illinois 62002Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
